The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Sunday that it has found radioactive iodine in rainwater water in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts at levels higher that those considered safe in drinking water.

The future of Colorado’s dormant nuclear power industry hinges on two critical issues – water and waste – both of which could prove insurmountable for proponents of new nuclear power plants in the state. Pueblo attorney Don Banner struck a nerve last week with his proposal for a new clean energy park that would include a nuclear power plant. His rezoning request will likely be decided by the Pueblo County commissioners next month, but not before the plan sparked heated debate in the wake of Japan’s ongoing nuclear power crisis.

U.S. nuclear development, already slowed by a lack of private investment, seems likely to be further stalled by the political fallout from the Fukushima disaster in Japan. How fast this slowdown will lead to more renewables is an open question.

Colorado cattle exports to Japan are predicted to jump in the next year as the recent disaster and nuclear fears in the country are expected to hamper the ranching industry there -- providing room for Colorado products.

A single person, paying nearly $50 million in back taxes helps move the state budget in the right direction. Nonetheless, "sand dune" like conditions will likely slow economic growth, causing legislators to warn that cuts to those programs will still be deep as a one-time infusion of cash is spread out over several budget years.

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The Colorado Independent's award-winning team of veteran investigative and explanatory reporters and news columnists aims to amplify the voices of Coloradans whose stories are unheard, shine light on the relationships between people, power and policy, and hold public officials to account. We strive to report the news with context, social conscience, and soul, and to give Coloradans the insight they need to promote conversation, understanding and progress in this square, swing state we call home.

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OUR MISSION

The Colorado Independent's award-winning team of veteran investigative and explanatory reporters and news columnists aims to amplify the voices of Coloradans whose stories are unheard, shine light on the relationships between people, power and policy, and hold public officials to account. We strive to report the news with context, social conscience, and soul, and to give Coloradans the insight they need to promote conversation, understanding and progress in this square, swing state we call home.